1. APEDA’S Strategic Push for Agri-Exports at AAHAR 2026

• Milestone in Export Revenue: India’s agricultural and processed food exports have surpassed the significant threshold of ₹5 lakh crore annually, marking a decade of robust growth in the export of pulses, fruits, vegetables, and processed items. • Expansion through Trade Diplomacy: Recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UAE, Australia, and EFTA nations (including Switzerland) have provided preferential market access to nearly two-thirds of global trade, benefiting MSMEs and farmers. • Knowledge-Driven Strategy: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with ICRIER, released specialized research reports for products like cucumber, cashew, pineapple, and pomegranate to enhance supply chain efficiency and global competitiveness. • Innovation in Packaging and GI Branding: New technical packaging standards developed with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) were launched for GI-tagged products, including Karbi Anglong Ginger and Prayagraj Surkha Guava, to improve shelf life and international appeal. • Focus on Emerging Segments: The 40th edition of AAHAR emphasized high-growth sectors such as Basmati rice, organic produce, and sustainable plant-based food alternatives, reflecting shifting global consumer preferences. • Collaborative Federalism: The event featured pavilions from over 18 states, integrating local producer organizations and startups into the global B2B ecosystem to showcase region-specific agricultural strengths. Key Definitions and Institutional Framework • APEDA: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is a statutory body established under the APEDA Act, 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote the export of scheduled products. • GI Tag (Geographical Indication): A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin (e.g., Jalgaon Banana). It is governed by the GI of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. • EFTA (European Free Trade Association): An intergovernmental organization of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, recently engaged with India for broad-based trade and economic partnership. Constitutional and Legal Provisions • Article 246 (Seventh Schedule): While \'Agriculture\' is a State Subject (Entry 14, List II), \'Inter-state trade and commerce\' and \'Establishment of standards of quality for goods to be exported\' fall under the Union List (Entries 42 and 51, List I), giving the Center the mandate for export promotion.  • Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992: Provides the primary legal framework for the development and regulation of foreign trade by facilitating imports into and augmenting exports from India. Conclusion The participation of APEDA at AAHAR 2026 underscores India\'s transition from a primary producer to a valueadded exporter in the global food value chain. By leveraging FTAs and focusing on quality standards for GItagged goods, India is positioning its \'Brand India\' as a reliable, high-quality supplier in the international market, ultimately aiming to double farmers\' income through export-led growth. UPSC Relevance • General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; International treaties and agreements (FTAs). • General Studies III: Economics of animal-rearing and food processing; Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP; Land reforms; Infrastructure; Supply chain management. • Prelims: Statutory bodies (APEDA), GI Tags, and India’s major export destinations and commodities.